Buying Your First Home in Garden City and Southwest Kansas
Buying your first home should feel exciting, not confusing. MBA Real Estate has helped Southwest Kansas families find their homes since 1984, and one of our agents can show you every home on the market.
Call 620-275-7440
You Only Need One Agent to See Every Home
When you spot a home you love online or drive past a yard sign, it's natural to call the number listed. But that number belongs to the listing agent, and the listing agent's job is to represent the seller.
Here's what many first time buyers don't realize: one MBA Real Estate agent can show you any home for sale, no matter which company has it listed. You don't need to call a different agent for every house. Pick one agent who works for you, and they'll set up tours for every home on your list.
Working with one agent means:
- Someone in your corner. Your agent looks out for your interests, not the seller's.
- One phone number to call. No starting over with a new person for every property.
- Easier scheduling. Your agent can line up several homes in one trip.
- A guide who knows your goals. The more homes you see together, the better your agent understands what you want.
- No cost to tour. Touring homes with an MBA agent is free.
- Your privacy protected. We never share your contact information with outside companies or national databases.
Found a home on Zillow, Realtor.com, a yard sign, or social media? Send it to us. We'll get you in the door.
Browse Anywhere. Search Local.
Zillow and Realtor.com are popular places to browse homes, but they aren't where listings start. Nearly every home you see on those sites comes from the local MLS (multiple listing service), the same database our agents use every day. The MBA Real Estate website and mobile app pull listings directly from our local MLS, so you see the homes for sale in Garden City and Southwest Kansas straight from the source.
The biggest difference shows up when you're ready to see a home:
On national home search sites
Clicking "contact agent" or "request a tour" often sends your name and phone number to an agent who pays the site for buyer leads. That agent may not be the listing agent, and may not be local.
On mba-realestate.com and the MBA app
Your request comes straight to our Garden City office and a local agent who knows the area. We never share your contact information with outside companies or national databases.
Browse wherever you like. When a home catches your eye, skip the button and reach out to one MBA agent instead. We'll set up the showing, no matter who has it listed.
The Home Buying Process, Step by Step
1Connect with an MBA agent
Start with a conversation. Your agent will learn what you're looking for, the areas you're considering, and your timeline, then explain what to expect along the way.
2Get pre-approved
A pre-approval from a lender tells you how much you can borrow and shows sellers you're ready to buy. Your agent can point you toward local lenders.
3Tour homes
Your agent sets up showings for the homes you want to see, from any brokerage. Take notes, ask questions, and look at as many as you need.
4Make an offer
When you find the right home, your agent helps you write a strong offer, including price, closing date, and any conditions, and negotiates with the seller for you.
5Inspection and appraisal
Once your offer is accepted, a home inspection helps you understand the home's condition, and your lender orders an appraisal to confirm its value.
6Closing day
You'll do a final walkthrough, sign your paperwork, and get the keys. Welcome home.
Questions First Time Buyers Ask
Can MBA show me a home listed by another company?
Yes. Our agents can show you any home on the market in our area, no matter who has it listed.
Should I call the agent on the yard sign?
You can, but that agent represents the seller. Calling your own MBA agent means you have someone working for you from the very first showing.
I found a home on Zillow or Realtor.com. Can MBA show it to me?
Yes. Send us the address or link and we'll schedule a showing. Those sites display listings from the same local MLS our agents use, so if it's for sale in our area, we can get you in.
Do I need to be pre-approved before I look at homes?
It isn't required to start looking, but it's a good idea. Pre-approval tells you your price range and makes your offer stronger when you find the right home.
How much do I need for a down payment?
It depends on the type of loan. Many buyers put down less than they expect. A lender can walk you through the options that fit your situation.
How long does it take to buy a home?
Every purchase is different, but closing often happens about 30 to 45 days after your offer is accepted. Your agent will give you a timeline that fits your situation.
Will my information be shared?
No. MBA Real Estate does not share client contact information with outside companies or national databases.
Ready to Start?
Whether you're just curious or ready to tour this weekend, tell us a little about what you're looking for. A local MBA agent will reach out to help, and can get you into any home on the market.
Call 620-275-7440
MBA Real Estate | 419 N 8th St, Garden City, KS 67846 | Buy. Sell. Local.
